Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
I hold my head high and take my place right where I belong: beside Sergio, holding his hand.
When we enter, they all look up, as if someone unfurled a red carpet in front of us. I practically want to curtsey.
Marialena, Rosa, her sister-in-law Vittoria, Nonna, Tosca.
His mother.
I smile brightly at her. I've heard that it's easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar, and if she chooses not to love me, that's her loss. Because I am worthy of love. The people who love me love me for who I really am. And I am not going to deny my truth for anyone.
When you recognize your own self-worth…when you know how worthy you are of love…you're untouchable. Because no one’s criticism, anger, or hatred can hurt you.
"Ladies, so nice to see you. I was hoping I could have some input into the wedding day."
Marialena’s eyes twinkle at me when she smiles, and I can almost feel the silent fist bump.
"So you're still under the delusion that you're going to marry my son?" Sergio’s mother speaks up, her harsh words as grating as a record scratch.
I give Sergio's mother a curious look.
"Delusion? Of course not. It isn't a delusion. We're absolutely getting married. Is there a problem?”
She blinks rapidly, color rising in her cheeks. Sergio’s low voice of command catches the attention of everyone in the room. "You're addressing my betrothed. Remember that."
“I do have a problem. Sergio was engaged to be married to a powerful family. I have no idea who you are. I have no idea what you bring to the table. We don't marry frivolously in this family."
Sergio opens his mouth and takes a step forward, but I lay a gentle hand on his arm.
“I’m so sorry to hear you feel that way," I say to her, as earnest as I’ll ever be. I mean it. "Sergio and I are getting married because we love each other. What do I bring to the table? Undying devotion. Love. I can cook really well, and I fully intend on bearing you grandchildren. Lots, really, if he’s up for it, but we haven’t gotten there yet. How's that?"
Nonna’s the first to laugh. Her husky belly laugh fills the room and grows louder with every passing heartbeat. She laughs until she holds her sides.
That woman knows a lot more English than she's letting on.
Marialena stands and claps her hands. "If there's anything the Montavio family needs, it's a marriage based on actual love and loyalty, dare I even say devotion? Bravo, sister! And oh mah gahd, bring the babies, girlfriend.”
Rosa takes a sip of her tea and without another word I see Tosca remove a small flask and pour half of it into her tea mug as well.
Now that is a woman who inspires me.
Sergio's mother glares at me. "Why did no one ask me?"
I actually feel bad for the woman. I can see where she's coming from, and maybe it's true that most people aren't actual villains. Most people are maybe sort of morally gray. She lost her husband and one of her sons. All she now has is the power of being the matriarch of this family, and if her remaining sons marry badly, those decisions could threaten everything she has.
"Ah,” I see, understanding. “Is there a rule in this family that we need to ask your permission?"
“God, Eden, stop being so reasonable and diplomatic,” Sergio mutters.
I stifle a smirk.
She flushes a deeper shade of pink. "There should be."
"I love your son, and I want to marry him. I promise that I will devote myself to this family with everything I have. And I promise that your position of power as the matriarch in this family is not in jeopardy."
I have no interest in being the matriarch of this family.
She stares at me, and finally turns to Sergio. "I like her. She's got pluck."
Sergio stares, disbelieving.
Half an hour later, we’re all drinking spiked tea.
I really don't care much about the details of the wedding, and it seems to make Sergio's mother happy that she gets to pick things like flowers. I tell her she needs to make sure she's talking to Starla about the bridesmaids’ dresses, but other than that we're good. What's more important to me than anything is that we don't take a long time with this. I don't really understand why some people take years to plan a wedding. I’ve decided to be his wife, so now would be preferable to later.
Tosca smiles at me when I explain this to them. "How does this weekend look to you?"
Sergio's mom blinks rapidly, then surprises us all with her response. "I can make that happen," she says, perhaps the first acquiescence she's made.
I grin.
"This weekend would be perfect."
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Sergio
When I make a decision, I plow forward. When I want something, I go for it, hard, no apologies, no backtracking, no half-assed excuses.